JAKARTA – The Directorate General of Immigration within the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections officially launched the Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI), a policy that serves as one of the solutions to address dual citizenship. GCI takes the form of a new unlimited stay permit granted to individuals who are foreign nationals but have a strong bond with Indonesia through descent, family ties, history, or powerful connections. The policy opens up participation from subjects in various countries who have an affiliation with Indonesia.
“GCI is a solution to answer the dual citizenship policy with the broad right to stay for foreign nationals (WNA) who have strong ties with Indonesia, without changing their citizenship status and without violating the rules of other nations. This policy also demonstrates that Indonesia is capable of adapting to global dynamics without sacrificing the principle of legal sovereignty regarding citizenship," stated the Minister of Immigration and Correctional Affairs, Agus Andrianto.
Agus further mentioned that similar policies have been implemented in several jurisdictions, such as the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI). The implementation of similar policies in various jurisdictions shows the credibility and feasibility of implementing GCI in Indonesia. He affirmed the readiness of the Directorate General of Immigration to manage a policy that is oriented towards legal certainty, ease of service, and international competitiveness.
Subjects who are eligible to apply for GCI include foreign nationals who are former Indonesian citizens, descendants of former Indonesian citizens up to the second degree, or spouses of Indonesian citizens. In addition, any marriage between an Indonesian citizen and a foreign national will also qualify for GCI facilities. However, the granting of the stay permit does not apply to foreign nationals originating from countries that were once part of Indonesian territory, involved in separatism, or have a background as civil servants, intelligence personnel, or military members of a foreign country.
The application for GCI is submitted online through the evisa.imigrasi.go.id platform. This comprehensive, all-in-one application replaces the limited Visa issuance, Limited Stay Permit (ITAS) issuance, Permanent Stay Permit (ITAP) extension, and Unlimited Re-Entry Permit.
“Indonesian Immigration will always respond to global needs and challenges. GCI is proof that our immigration policy is not static, but will continue to transform following the development of the times,” concluded Minister Agus.
